HALA BEK, who came agonisingly close to winning the 2006 Derby, has
been retired after a career that was restricted to just three runs,
writes Bill Barber.

The son of Halling was beaten the equivalent of a neck when fourth
behind Sir Percy at Epsom but may well have won but for losing momentum
when dramatically jinking with just yards to run.

The jink caused jockey Philip Robinson to become unbalanced,
momentarily drop his reins and get in a tangle. It cost Hala Bek crucial
momentum, and as he was beaten by such a narrow margin, it could be
argued his inexperience cost him the race.

Injury prevented him running again for more than two years, but
when he did he won by seven lengths in a Nottingham conditions race on
his only start for Saeed Bin Suroor. He had previously been trained by
Michael Jarvis.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said yesterday: "He
was obviously a top horse on his day, but he had lots of problems and we
felt it was in his best interests not to try to get him back."

COPYRIGHT 2009 MGN LTD
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.